Bondurant or Spring Mountain
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 724
Likes: 1
Bondurant or Spring Mountain
i was looking to going to one of these programs. Who has the better program between the two? also what is the difference between the ron fellows and the standard spring mountain course.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,340
Likes: 6
From: Redmond WA
I have only been to the Spring Mountain 3-day level 1 course so I have no experience with the Bondurant program. I am sure both schools offer great programs and you will learn how to handle a vehicle fine at either one. From what I have heard about the Bondurant program, Spring Mountain differs in two primary areas that come to mind. First, Spring Mountain uses in-car radio communications during the instructional track sessions during the first two full days. You get instantaneous and constant feedback as to what you need to do, rather than a debrief following the session. The second is that handling balance is done in a regular Corvette at Spring Mountain, rather than in a skid-car setup. In my mind, that's a more useful way to learn how to handle understeer and oversteer, rather than an outrigger artificially causing those conditions.
Bondurant seems to encourage running harder and close to the student's limits. The track at Spring Mountain is, I believe, about twice the length of the Bondurant track.
I hope that's pretty accurate.
Bondurant seems to encourage running harder and close to the student's limits. The track at Spring Mountain is, I believe, about twice the length of the Bondurant track.
I hope that's pretty accurate.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 12,122
Likes: 419
From: Cold Hell, Minnesota...for now
St. Jude Donor '15 thru '26
I took a 2 day ZR1 course last april. Time of my life! 
I can't speak for SM. As has been noted, they are both great schools.
Some have told me the track may be smaller at Bondurant, but way more fun, and technical.
Do it!
I can't speak for SM. As has been noted, they are both great schools.
Some have told me the track may be smaller at Bondurant, but way more fun, and technical.
Do it!
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
I've done the Ron Fellows 3 day Level 1 course at Spring Mountain. You will have fun and learn a lot. Chief instructor Rick Malone and all instructors are very good and the facility is top notch.
I agree that work on the skid pad in the Corvette at Spring Mountain should be a plus as opposed to a different car on outriggers.
No offense meant to Torchsport, but I don't understand the basis for his statement that the Bondurant track is way more fun and technical after he says he can't speak for SM.
I agree that work on the skid pad in the Corvette at Spring Mountain should be a plus as opposed to a different car on outriggers.
No offense meant to Torchsport, but I don't understand the basis for his statement that the Bondurant track is way more fun and technical after he says he can't speak for SM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 12,122
Likes: 419
From: Cold Hell, Minnesota...for now
St. Jude Donor '15 thru '26
I've done the Ron Fellows 3 day Level 1 course at Spring Mountain. You will have fun and learn a lot. Chief instructor Rick Malone and all instructors are very good and the facility is top notch.
I agree that work on the skid pad in the Corvette at Spring Mountain should be a plus as opposed to a different car on outriggers.
No offense meant to Torchsport, but I don't understand the basis for his statement that the Bondurant track is way more fun and technical after he says he can't speak for SM.
I agree that work on the skid pad in the Corvette at Spring Mountain should be a plus as opposed to a different car on outriggers.
No offense meant to Torchsport, but I don't understand the basis for his statement that the Bondurant track is way more fun and technical after he says he can't speak for SM.
I said that is what I have been told by others.
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 613
Likes: 3
From: Keyes Oklahoma
+1 for Spring Mountian. The definition of FIRST CLASS. You can stay on sight in unbelievable condo's for about $100 a night. It is the most fun you can have with your clothes on!
Plus Vegas is only 45 minutes away, that is a plus in my book.
Plus Vegas is only 45 minutes away, that is a plus in my book.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,133
Likes: 20
From: Twisp WA
Been to Spring Mtn twice for Level 1 and 2 Corvette driving schools. Re-took Level 1, day 3 to knock the rust off my go fast driving skills so I was up to speed to take Level 2.
Which ever school you choose spend the money, have fun and learn a lot about driving your Corvette.
George
Which ever school you choose spend the money, have fun and learn a lot about driving your Corvette.
George
Last edited by George's_Vette; Feb 9, 2012 at 10:13 AM.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,901
Likes: 4,352
From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
I don't know how Bondurant's track is designed, but I am sure that Bob and his people did a first class job. I am also sure that the Bondurant school is great. That said, I do have an idea about Spring Mountain. That is s very technical track. Each corner was designed to teach a specific skill.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 514
From: Pahrump NV
the school is the Ron Fellows Performance Driving School at Spring Mountain Motor Resort, so there are no separate schools here within Corvette. In 2008 is when Ron came onboard with us and that is when the school was renamed/relaunched. before that, it was called the Spring Mountain Driving School.
Hope that answers your question, and thanks to all who chimed in about this topic! Either school you go to, you'll definitely enjoy it, and learn more about yourself and your car.
if you have any other questions, feel free to call/email/pm me anytime, and don't forget we offer a 10%discount to forum members
__________________
Victor Resendiz
Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club
Ron Fellows Performance Driving School
The Official Performance Driving School Of Corvette
www.racespringmountain.com
victor@racespringmountain.com
800-391-6891
Victor Resendiz
Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club
Ron Fellows Performance Driving School
The Official Performance Driving School Of Corvette
www.racespringmountain.com
victor@racespringmountain.com
800-391-6891
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 753
Likes: 0
From: Chandler Arizona
St. Jude Vendor Donor '08-'09
Hey RedLS3,
Here's a post done by Tcorzett a couple weeks ago about his experience with us. This will give you a GREAT overview of what to expect here at Bondurant, and not done by somebody affiliated with the school.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...ng-course.html
For any multi-day course, we take care of your hotel room at the 3 year old Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino across the street. Additionally, we offer a 15% discount to Corvette Forum members on Multi-day courses.
Let me know if you have any specific questions that we can answer for you!
Here's a post done by Tcorzett a couple weeks ago about his experience with us. This will give you a GREAT overview of what to expect here at Bondurant, and not done by somebody affiliated with the school.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...ng-course.html
For any multi-day course, we take care of your hotel room at the 3 year old Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino across the street. Additionally, we offer a 15% discount to Corvette Forum members on Multi-day courses.
Let me know if you have any specific questions that we can answer for you!
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 19,694
Likes: 10,187
From: www.corvettefurman.com Gaithersburg, Maryland
St. Jude Donor '12, '15
good choice either way.
I have been to both several times. They are both great!!! It's all in what you get out of them.
Have fun and enjoy. Listen to the Pro Drivers!
Mike Furman
301 212 4420
Have fun and enjoy. Listen to the Pro Drivers!
Mike Furman
301 212 4420
Racer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 254
Likes: 80
From: Livermore CA
Here's a post done by Tcorzett a couple weeks ago about his experience with us. This will give you a GREAT overview of what to expect here at Bondurant, and not done by somebody affiliated with the school.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...ng-course.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...ng-course.html
I happen to be writing this from a condo at Spring Mountain, as I'm there taking a Level 2 course. I'm reserving any judgement until I'm finished with the course, but will likely do a compare/contrast post at some point in the future.
What I can say is that both schools offer exceptional instruction... You can not go wrong with either of them.
-Todd...